peace and good!

I have been meaning to write something down that would explain where I am going in the next few months.

It was fun for me to put this timeline together, and I hope that it can help in coordinating visits with friends before I leave Wisconsin! In other words, this post is for my family, friends, and other casual internet stalkers.

So, without further ado, here is what I see in front of me!*

* “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” ~ Woody Allen

The Present Moment

Until May 13Milwaukee, WIPOSTULANCY

A year set aside to look more closely at becoming a friar. This has involved living in a friary, learning from the friars, and participating in ministry (in my case, involving immigrants & the homeless).

May 13-May 16Port Washington, WIHOME

I will spend a few days at my childhood home: seeing my Grandma, reuniting with good friends, and tying up loose ends at the bank.

May 22-May 29Toronto, ONNOUWEN PILGRIMAGE

I have long anticipated taking a trip to experience the L’Arche community where Henri Nouwen found his vocation. Along the way, I hope to see some friends that I have met this year as well as visit the “Nouwen Archives”. This will be an extremely meaningful way to begin an exciting chapter of my life.

May 16-May 22Miami, FLFAMILY

A week at my family’s place!

May 29-July 22St. Louis, MOINTER-PROVINCIAL POSTULANCY

A couple months of the postulancy experience (see above) with the addition of postulants from several other English-speaking provinces of the Capuchin order.

July 22 2016-July 22 2017Santa Barbara, CANOVITIATE

All of the inter-provincial postulants will drive out West to begin a year of our lives not quite like any other. The novitiate year is spent entirely in California (though visitors are welcome!) and is quite like a year in a monastery. There is a strong focus on silence, prayer, reflection, and discernment. This is when I will be receiving the habit (brown monk robe)! Novitiate only allows 1.5 hours of computer time per week. Yikes! 🙂

July 22 2017-…?Chicago, IL (and beyond?)POST-NOVITIATE

When I return from California, I will profess my first (one-year) vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. I will resume undergraduate studies as well as begin to take on more serious ministry obligations. This process will continue until I stop renewing one-year ‘simple’ vows and take life-long ‘solemn’ vows.